Graduation and other fun stuff...

It was an eventful week last week, putting together Taylor's pre-school graduation, attending Ashlyn's kindergarten graduation, sending treats for the boy's end of year parties and Alyssa's Jr. High BBQ. Two friend luncheons, helping a friend pack and clean her house so she can move to Idaho, and hosting a water party/BBQ for Parker and his friends on the last day of school. (luckily the weather held out long enough for the boys to have a great time...then the rain poured!!!)

So glad it's all over!

Homework is done, grades are in, no more sack lunch preparation and we can all sleep in! (if only that were true, 6:00am rolls around and I'm awake...)

Happy to have my gang home, can't wait to have some summer fun!

Ashlyn and the "diploma"

The preschool boys. Last day, so sad, I've sure loved them.
10 boys and a bunch of water balloons=a crazy, fun party!
The official burning of the homework! We all chanted and cheered! Jumping on the tramp in your swimsuit, eating doughnuts with the cousins!!

Time to stockpile frozen treats!

Now isn't that what summer is all about??

Friendship that lasts

For the past 11 years, I have had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with and learning from these amazing women. We organized a card group with the purpose of giving each of us a creative outlet, and a fun monthly outing to lunch, however, it has turned into much more than that.

We've cried and laughed as we've experienced the ups and downs of pregnancy and motherhood, marriage, finances, moving away from beloved neighbors, marrying off children, becoming grandmothers, serving in church callings, and a million other things that come with this wonderful life. Most of all we've shared testimony, and strengthened one another in times of need. I love these women (3 are not pictured) and look forward to many more years of learning at their feet.

This particular luncheon was in honor of my good friend Dana Smith, (short blond hair in middle) who will shortly be leaving us to serve with her husband as he presides as the new mission president in the Marshall Islands. They are incredible people!!

I am blessed.

Man of...New York City???

Parker's 5th grade class put on an "opera" for the school and parents this week. The Utah Opera company comes into the schools and brainstorms with the kids in the Fall for ideas, and then they write the play and music for the kids to perform. Parker's class came up with "Don Quixote visits New York". Guess who played Don Quixote?? My mouth dropped too, my "I don't like drama or singing mom" Parker boy. I have to say he was fantastic, a natural comedic actor. I suppose that's why it worked for him, he could be silly and carry around a plunger attacking windmills, and that made it all ok.

He got special permission to bring a wooden shield that he and his dad made a few summers ago.
Scientists trying to figure out how to get the people of La Mancha back home.

Parker was thrilled when he was able to keep the plunger! I said, "oh good, we needed another one, for your bathroom Parker! Learn how to use it well!!"

Don Quixote and side kick Sancho. (aka Parker and Mitch)

The Derby

Once again, it is Pinewood Derby time. I must admit I'm not at all fond of this ritual. Maybe it's because I'm not a boy, and have no memories of building cars and racing them (never did that for fun either). But I think more than anything, I don't like it because it means there is one winner and 25 losers (our ward has a lot of boys). The boys get disappointed, and even though we practically have family home evenings discussing that it's "just for fun, you get to spend time with dad making something cool, and race, etc!"

Deep inside, EVERY boy wants to win. Connor worked through the disappointment though and was a good sport, despite his competitive nature. Good job bud!

Racing for fun after the competition.

He designed this all by himself, with a back trunk and cool visor for the lego guy.

Goodbye to a longtime friend...

Oh, pink Barbie pajamas, we hate to see you go! We remember when we first bought you for Alyssa, (in 1998) you came with matching pj's for her barbie, that was fun! But then Alyssa decided you were too itchy to wear, so you were tucked away, until Ashlyn found you! She has loved you and loved you! So much so, the shear material that covered the front of the nightgown ripped right off! But that didn't stop us from wearing you. Alas, now the arms are ripped up and it's too small, so we must part ways....tear...Ashlyn thanks you for many cozy nights looking pretty in pink! Good luck at the dump!

Mom Day!

Mother's Day came quickly this year. My family is so great about treating me like royalty,

"If you make the smoothies, we'll drink them!!! 'Cause mom, no one makes them as yummy as you!"

"Well, OK, since you put it that way. "

I couldn't think of anything for my kids to get me, other than a riding lawn mower, which would have saved me 3 hours of mowing the other day...so they pitched in and bought me a darling red (fav. color) wallet to replace my stained, very sad-looking, zipper-broken wallet. I love the new one! Karl surprised me with a dozen red roses, and the kids each wrote me notes...my favorite part!!

I can't wait to see what they make me for dinner! I really hope it's chili from the can...yum!!

P.S. Dinner was delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup! Thanks guys!!

Fun Stuff!

Here are a few fun things we've done the past few days.

Playing in the backyard, Parker is the best big brother!

My brother graduated from college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked so hard with his classes, working full time, and raising a beautiful family. Yeah Nate!

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo...how 'bout you, you, you??

California Girl!!

She left me...then she came back...whew! Alyssa just returned from a 4 day stay in California for a choir tour. They performed at a festival and took home 2 gold medals and one bronze...and took 2nd place overall at the competition!


It was a dream come true for her to be able to go on a trip with her friends, stay in a nice hotel, and spend all day at Disneyland, and play at the beach. I, however missed her terribly! I've never had her leave for that long. (I've always been at girl's camp with her...) I guess it will prepare me for EFY this summer. She is growing up way too fast, next thing you know I'll be helping her pack for college...Ohhh let's not go there. She's only 14 1/2 right???

So glad she had fun!!

Getting ready for the Choir competition.
Sunshine and palm trees...Alyssa is in HEAVEN!